dakar cancelled

[muleburrito]

[Wiz636]

This sucks. A friend just sent me this: http://www.agi.it/engsport/news/200801041323-spr-ren0034-art.html

[crf-f crf-r trx cbr]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080104/ap_on_re_af/car_dakar_rally

[Chillwabbitt]

Just got this off offroadchampions.com

After different exchanges with the French government - in particular the Ministry for Foreign Affairs - , and based on their firm recommendations, the organisers of the Dakar have taken the decision to cancel the 2008 edition of the rally, scheduled from the 5th to the 20th of January between Lisbon and Senegal’s capital. Based on the current international political tension and the murder of four French tourists last 24th of December linked to a branch of Al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb, but also and mainly the direct threats launched directly against the race by terrorist organisations, no other decision but the cancellation of the sporting event could be taken by A.S.O. A.S.O.’s first responsibility is to guarantee the safety of all: that of the populations in the countries visited, of the amateur and professional competitors, of the technical assistance personnel, of the journalists, partners and rally collaborators. A.S.O. therefore reaffirms that the choice of security is not, has never been and will never be a subject of compromise at the heart of the Dakar rally. A.S.O. condemns the terrorist menace that annihilates a year of hard work, engagement and passion for all the participants and the different actors of the world’s biggest off-road rally. Aware of the huge frustration, especially in Portugal, Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal, and beyond the general disappointment and the huge economical consequences in terms of direct and indirect repercussions for the countries visited, A.S.O. will continue to defend the major values of great sporting events and will carry on its engagement for a durable development through the Actions Dakar, started 5 years ago in sub-Saharan Africa with SOS Sahel International. The Dakar is a symbol and nothing can destroy symbols. The cancellation of the 2008 edition does not endanger the future of the Dakar. To offer, for 2009 a new adventure to all the off-road rally passionate is a challenge that A.S.O. will take on in the months to come, faithful to its engagement and its passion

[the big bore kid]

yeah because the dakar is the perfect target for a terrorist:bonk:

maybe japan is sick of seeing all the european bikes taking over and decided to act on it:p

[Plushpuppy]

awwwww, they missed a perfect chance for filming MAD MAX 4(or whatever Mad Max is up to now)!!!!!!!

[Chillwabbitt]

Mad Max escape from Al-Qaeda (bad taste I know, but it is kinda funny)

[Chillwabbitt]

I kid you not...

SANTIAGO, Chile -- The Chilean government will back a proposal to bring the Dakar Rally to South America after terrorist threats forced the cancellation of the off-road endurance race traditionally staged across the Sahara desert.

The head of the Chilean Tourism Service, Oscar Santelices, said a formal letter will be sent next week to the France-based rally organizer Amaury Sports Organization expressing Chile's interest to host it.

Santelices told local media, however, that no financial support would be committed.

Chile's deputy sports minister, Jaime Pizarro, also said the government would be interested as "the idea appears on the line with the official policy of hosting important international sports events."

The reaction in Chile came after the Spanish sports newspaper As reported that South America was being considered as an alternative to the African territory, and that the epic motorcycle, car and truck race, staged annually since 1979, could cross through Argentina, Brazil and Chile.

In Chile, the rally would go through the northern Atacama desert, the world's driest, where a local rally called Patagonia-Atacama is staged annually.

Local media reported that across the Andes in Argentina, organizers of the annual Rally of the Pampas are also interested in hosting a portion of the Dakar Rally.

Carlo De Gavardo, a Chilean motorcycle rider who has competed in the Dakar Rally several times, said a major advantage for South American countries hosting the rally is the security they offer in the territories where the race would be staged.

He said a decision on the new site would probably be made in February, and that other likely alternatives are Australia, Russia and China.

Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press

[Triple B]

I am all for Chile............The South American women are way better that the North African women........Can you imagine the eye candy on the TV Broadcast.